Corey H. Jones

Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis in news-editorial, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Professional background: Corey joined Colorado Public Radio in September, 2011 as announcer/producer for OpenAir and later moved to his current position as arts reporter.

His radio career began in college at the University of Colorado, Boulder where he was actively involved in the student-run station, Radio 1190. During his four-year stint at Radio 1190, Corey occupied a variety of roles, including disc jockey, news and sports director and host of the “Local Shakedown,” the station’s weekly local music program. While pursuing his journalism degree, Corey also contributed to the editorial staffs for both the Boulder Daily Camera and Denver’s 5280 Magazine.

In October, 2011, Corey was one of the first hosts who signed on to help launch OpenAir. He spent more than two years working with the OpenAir team to establish CPR’s newest service as a destination to explore today’s music and showcase local talent. Corey played a significant role in putting OpenAir on the map as a top source for Colorado music with “Mile High Noon,” a daily program he created and hosted that highlights emerging local artists. In March, 2013, Corey traveled to Austin, Texas, to cover the South by Southwest music festival, focusing on the experience of Colorado musicians.

During his time at OpenAir, Corey interviewed dozens of musicians, including national bands Lucero and Deer Tick, and well-known Colorado acts Devotchka, Flobots, Gregory Alan Isakov and Paper Bird before joining CPR’s arts bureau in January, 2014.

Q & A

Why did you become a journalist?I really value storytelling—particularly non-fictional storytelling. Humans possess an innate desire for information, and through its exchange we learn more about the people and the world around us. I love that journalism grants me a license to meet new people, visit new places and explore important issues while also affording the opportunity to share those experiences with others.

How did you get into radio?By accident. I stumbled across my college radio station at CU-Boulder, where I quickly realized I could combine my strong interests in music and news. Constantly lured back by the stacks of CDs and vinyl, I also seized the opportunity to report on various events by contributing to the news and sports departments.

How did you end up at CPR?As a native of the Centennial State, I jumped at the chance to work at Colorado Public Radio and be a part of OpenAir. While focusing on new-music discovery, I also found it thrilling to be in close proximity to the CPR News staff. The arts serve as a great historical and cultural pulse, and as part of the arts bureau I’m able to help further bridge news and culture coverage, diving deeper into what connects us as human beings.